ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
Finance Minister Sh Arun Jaitley writes to State Chief Ministers to reduce burden of Value Added Tax on Petroleum Products used for manufacturing
The Union Minister of Finance, Defence and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley has written to State Chief Ministers urging the States to reduce burden of Value Added Tax  on Petroleum Products used as inputs in making of goods after the introduction of Goods and Services Tax .
The letter by Finance Minister highlights a concern being raised by the manufacturing sector in the country regarding the rise in input costs of petroleum products happening on account of transition to Goods and Services Tax regime. In the pre-GST regime, because the petroleum products as well as the final goods produced both attracted VAT, input tax credit of petroleum products being used as inputs by manufacturers was allowed to varying extent by different States. However, in the post-GST scenario, the manufactured goods attract GST while the inputs of petroleum products used in the manufacturing attract VAT and, therefore, it would lead to cascading of taxes. In view of this, in the pre GST regime certain States had lower rate of 5% VAT on Compressed Natural Gas used for manufacturing of goods. Some States also had lower rate of VAT on diesel being used for manufacturing sector.
Thus Sh Arun Jaitley has requested other States also to explore the possibility of having a lower rate of VAT on petroleum products used for manufacturing of those items on which there is GST, so that there is minimum disruption in the costing of goods.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways to observe a month long Mega Safety Drive from 28th October
The drive is aimed at removing any gaps in maintenance of fixed assets, locomotives and rolling stock
During the drive, officers from Zonal Headquarters and Divisional Office to conduct thorough inspections
Safety continues to be the foremost priority of Indian Railways and is accorded the greatest consideration. Ministry of Railways has directed Zonal Railways to launch a month long safety drive w.e.f. 28.10.2022 to remove any gaps in maintenance of fixed assets, locomotives and rolling stock and strengthening safety on Indian Railways. During the drive, it will be ensured that extant procedures are being conformed and monitoring of Human Factors shall be done.
Railway Board has directed all Zonal Railways to ensure that officers in Headquarters and Divisions carry out thorough inspection and ensure correction of deficiencies found during inspections within the drive. Atleast one Headquarter officer must be on inspection on each day during the drive in each Division. Also, each major section of each division must be under Night Foot Plate Inspection by an Officer. All sections of Divisions are to be inspected by DRMs/ADRMs. General health of fixed assets is to be examined.
Directives for this mega Safety Drive from Railway Board includes regular patrolling of all tracks and the same should be monitored on day to day basis, surprise checks at stations to ensure proper operational practices are being followed; no safety system is being bypassed. Also, Gate, Station and other operating staff shall be encouraged to be vigilant.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah pays floral tributes to Martyrs of the 2001 Parliament Houseattack
Shri Amit Shah said, “My homage to the brave sons of Mother India, who made the supreme sacrifice defending the 2001 cowardly terrorist attack on the temple of democracy, the Parliament House”
“A grateful nation will always remain indebted to your martyrdom.I bow to their exemplary courage and sacrifice”
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah today paid floral tributes to the brave Martyrs who laid down their lives while protecting the Parliament House in the 2001 terrorist attack.
In his tweet to mark the 19th Anniversary of the dastardly attack, Shri Amit Shah said, “My homage to the brave sons of Mother India, whomade the supreme sacrifice defending the 2001 cowardly terrorist attack on the temple of democracy, the Parliament House. A grateful nation will always remain indebted to your martyrdom.” “I bow to their exemplary courage and sacrifice,” he added.
On 13 December 2001 terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed stormed the Parliament complex and fired indiscriminately.They were gunned down after a fierce battle in which five Delhi police personnel, a women CRPF trooper and two personnel of the Parliament House watch and ward staff and a gardener were killed.A journalist who sustained injuries died later.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated National Museum of Indian Cinema in Mumbai today.
Governor of Maharashtra Shri C. Vidyasagar Rao, CM of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister of State Shri Ramdas Athawale and Union Minister of State Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore  along with other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
In his address, the Prime Minister said that the National Museum of Indian Cinema will provide a wonderful opportunity for the younger generation to understand and learn about Indian cinema. He added that the Museum will have detailed information about the history of Indian entertainment industry, along with tales of struggles of various film personalities.
Stating that film and society are a reflection of each other, Prime Minister said that whatever happens in the society are reflected by the movies on screen while the images from the films are also mirrored in the society.
Talking about trends he said there are many films now which depict both the problem and the solution which is a positive sign as compared to earlier years when only the helplessness was displayed.
Mr. Modi said that India is now confident of finding its own solutions to the problems it faces and this he said is a sign of a New India which is confident and capable of taking issues head on and resolving them.
The Prime Minister in his address highlighted the global reach of Indian Cinema. In this context he mentioned his interaction with various global leaders who can even sing Indian songs.
He extended best wishes to the film fraternity for creating the characters that have captured the imaginations of young generations. He said that due to global appeal of such characters, India’s youngsters are now not just fans of Batman, but also of Bahubali.
The Prime Minister said that the Indian Cinema has a big role in enhancing India’s soft power, its credibility and building the Brand India across the world. He said that through Cinema important social issues such as sanitation, women empowerment, sports etc are now reaching to people. Cinema plays an important role in nation Building and strengthens the feeling of Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat. PM said that the film Industry has a huge potential of contributing in the growth of Tourism in the country.
He mentioned that Government is working to provide facility of ‘Ease of Filming’ by putting in place a Single Window Clearance system, for Film Shooting approvals in different parts of the country. Prime Minister said Government is working on amending Cinematograph Act 1952 to check the problem of Film Piracy.
PM said Government is also working towards setting up a National Centre for Excellence for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that a fully dedicated university for Communication and Entertainment is a need of hour and urged Film personalities to suggest and contribute on this. He also suggested the idea of Global Film Summit similar to Davos Summit which would focus on the expansion of market for Indian Cinema.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 195.50 Cr
Over 3.53 Cr 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years
India's Active caseload currently stands at 53,637
8,822 new cases reported in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.66%
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 2.35%
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 195.50 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 2,51,27,455 sessions.
COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on 16 March, 2022. So far, more than 3.53 Cr  adolescents have been administered with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Similarly, the COVID-19 precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years also started from 10th April, 2022 onwards.
The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,04,07,923
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,00,52,120
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
54,44,586
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,84,21,011
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,76,04,916
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
93,12,291
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
3,53,38,654
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,99,76,214
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5,99,40,200
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
4,72,35,257
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
55,77,26,544
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
49,59,63,394
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
16,62,301
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
20,33,57,943
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
19,22,30,323
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
19,00,681
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
12,71,80,902
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
11,99,81,067
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
2,13,50,944
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
3,96,70,803
|
|
Total
|
|
1,95,50,87,271
India’s Active Caseload currently stands at 53,637. Active cases now constitute 0.12% of the country's total Positive Cases.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.66%. 5,718 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,26,67,088.
8,822 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The last 24 hours saw a total of 4,40,278 COVID-19 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 85.58 Cr  cumulative tests.
Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 2.35% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 2.00%.
NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog, RMI, and RMI India Launch ‘Shoonya’ Campaign
Over 30 e-commerce, OEMs, fleet aggregators, charging infrastructure companies join hands to deliver green as part of the campaign to clean up final-mile deliveries.
NITI Aayog, with RMI and RMI India’s support, today launched Shoonya—an initiative to promote zero-pollution delivery vehicles by working with consumers and industry. The campaign aims to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles  in the urban deliveries segment and create consumer awareness about the benefits of zero-pollution delivery.
Industry stakeholders such as e-commerce companies, fleet aggregators, original equipment manufacturers  and logistics companies have been scaling up their efforts towards final-mile delivery electrification. Initially, close to 30 companies including Mahindra Electric, Tata Motors, Zomato, Sun Mobility, Lightning Logistics, Big Basket, Bluedart, Hero Electric, and Swiggy among others attended the kick-off meeting chaired by Amitabh Kant, the CEO of NITI Aayog, to show their support for the campaign. Subsequently, additional industry players will be invited to join the initiative.
As part of the campaign, a corporate branding and certification programme is being launched to recognise and promote industry’s efforts towards transitioning to EVs for final-mile deliveries. An online tracking platform will share the campaign’s impact through data such as vehicle kilometers electrified, carbon savings, criteria pollutant savings and other benefits from clean delivery vehicles.
Highlighting the primary objective of the campaign, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said, “We will promote awareness about health, environmental and economic benefits of electric vehicles through the Shoonya campaign. I would urge e-commerce companies, auto manufacturers, and logistics fleet operators to acknowledge the opportunity to eliminate pollution from the urban freight sector. I am confident that our dynamic private sector will rise to the challenge of making Shoonya a great success.”
Commenting on the urgent need for adopting clean technologies, RMI Managing Director Clay Stranger said, “Transitioning to clean transportation is critical as India continues to move forward towards a sustainable and resilient future. Competitive economics and available technology support the full electrification of India’s urban deliver fleets on an accelerated timeline, which will create tailwinds for other market segments to follow.”
Urban freight vehicles account for 10 percent of freight transportation-related CO2 emissions in India, and these emissions are expected to grow by 114 percent by 2030. EVs emit no tailpipe emissions, which can contribute immensely to an improved air quality. Even when accounting for their manufacture, they emit 15-40 percent less CO2 compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts and have lower operational cost. The central and the state governments have introduced policies to provide upfront incentives for EVs, which will lower the capital cost by a high margin.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Memorandum on Cooperation  between Competition Commission of India  and Japan Fair Trade Commission 
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Memorandum on Cooperation  between Competition Commission of India  and Japan Fair Trade Commission  to promote and strengthen cooperation in the matter of Competition Law and Policy.
Impact:
The approved MoC, through exchange of information, will enable CCI to emulate and learn from the experiences and lessons of its counterpart competition agency in Japan which would enhance efficiency. The same will help improve enforcement of the Competition Act, 2002 by CCI. The resultant outcomes will benefit consumers at large and will promote equity and inclusiveness.
Details:
It will envisage to promote and strengthen cooperation in the matter of Competition Law and policy through exchange of information as well as through various capacity building initiatives in the areas of technical cooperation, experience sharing and enforcement cooperation
Background:
Section 18 of the Competition Act, 2002 permits CCI to enter into any memorandum or arrangement with any agency of any foreign country for the purpose of discharging its duties or performing its functions under the Act.
Prime Minister's Office
We must make efforts to ensure reach of yoga in every corner of the world: PM Modi
The Prime Minster, Shri Narendra Modi has called upon yoga acharyas, and yoga pracharaks and everyone connected with yoga work to ensure that yoga reaches every corner of the world. He was speaking on the occasion of Seventh International Yoga Day.
Quoting from Gita, The Prime Minister said we need to continue moving on the collective journey of yoga as yoga has solution for everyone. Freedom from sufferings is yoga and it helps everyone, said the Prime Minster.
Noting the growing popularity and people’s interest in yoga the Prime Minister said, it is important that yoga reaches to every person while keeping intact its foundation and core. Yoga acharyas and all of us should contribute in this task of taking yoga to everyone, said the Prime Minister.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Department of Justice weeds out 1,780 physical files during the special cleanliness drive conducted under DARPG’s Swachhata Campaign
Adopting Digital Records Management, Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice weeded out 1,780 physical files during the special cleanliness drive conducted under DARPG’s Swachhata Campaign directions.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 193.53 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 16 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
|
|
VACCINE DOSES
|
|

|
|
SUPPLIED
|
|
1,93,53,58,865
|
|
BALANCE AVAILABLE
|
|
16,00,27,805
More than 193.53 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 16 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Finance
Auction for Sale  of  ‘New GS 2026’,  ‘New GS 2030’,  ‘7.41% GS 2036’ and  ‘7.40% GS 2062’
The Government of India  has announced the sale  of  “New Government Security 2026” for a notified amount of ₹8,000 crore  through yield based auction using uniform price method,  “New Government Security 2030” for a notified amount of ₹7,000 crore  through yield based auction using uniform price method,  “7.41% Government Security 2036” for a notified amount of ₹12,000 crore  through price based auction using uniform price method and  “7.40% Government Security 2062” for a notified amount of ₹12,000 crore  through price based auction using multiple price method. GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to Rs. 2,000 crore against each security mentioned above. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on April 13, 2023 .
Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the securities will be allotted to eligible individuals and institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution  system on April 13, 2023. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and the competitive bids should be submitted between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
The result of the auctions will be announced on April 13, 2023  and payment by successful bidders will be on April 17, 2023 .
The Securities will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Konkan Railway team for the success of ‘Mission 100% Electrification.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Konkan Railway team for the remarkable success of ‘Mission 100% Electrification’ and setting new benchmarks of sustainable development.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Congratulations to the entire @KonkanRailway Team for the remarkable success of ‘Mission 100% Electrification’ and setting new benchmarks of sustainable development."
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Beneficiaries of National Skill Development Mission
The National Skill Development Mission  was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 15.07.2015 to create convergence across sectors and States in terms of skill training activities and for skilling at scale with speed and standards. Training is not only done by the Central Ministries and Departments but also by the State Governments. Training is also done by industries/employers in their premises. There are more than 20 Central Ministries/ Departments which are running schemes/programmes to impart skill training to the youth of the nation.The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship  is implementing its flagship scheme known as the PradhanMantriKaushalVikasYojana  on pan-India basis, besides Jan ShikshanSansthan  and National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme  in the short-term skilling eco-system, while long-term training is being imparted through the Industrial Training Institutes  under the Craftsmen Training Scheme . The numbers of persons who have been imparted training from 2016-17 to 2019-20 under the Ministry’s eco-system are given below:
|
|
Sl. No.
|
|
Schemes
|
|
Year-wise beneficiaries 
|
|
Total

|
|
|
|
2016-17
|
|
2017-18
|
|
2018-19
|
|
2019-20
|
|
1.
|
|
PMKVY + Fee based training of NSDC
|
|
22.37
|
|
49.27
|
|
43.61
|
|
70.13
|
|
185.38
|
|
2.
|
|
JSS
|
|
2.14
|
|
1.72
|
|
1.67
|
|
4.15
|
|
9.68
|
|
3.
|
|
NAPS
|
|
1.11
|
|
1.61
|
|
1.99
|
|
2.54
|
|
7.25
|
|
4.
|
|
CTS
|
|
11.91
|
|
12.13
|
|
14.52
|
|
13.48
|
|
52.04
|
|
Total
|
|
37.53
|
|
64.73
|
|
61.79
|
|
90.30
|
|
254.35
The Sub-Missions are part of the NSDM. The Governing Council of the NSDM, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, has the power to identify Sub-Missions in high priority areas as per need. Seven Sub-Missions on:  Institutional Training;  Infrastructure;  Convergence;  Trainers;  Overseas Employment; Sustainable Livelihoods, and  Leveraging Public Infrastructure were approved. The progress of work and way forward in respect of each Sub-Mission is monitored by the Executive Committee of the NSDM, chaired by Secretary, MSDE. The objectives and enablers of the Sub-Missions are such that proportion of individuals benefiting from them cannot be quantified. This information was given by the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Raj Kumar Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways crosses another milestone of transporting a total of more than 21 lacs passengers to their home states through “Shramik Special” trains in 19 days
Indian Railways operate 1595 “Shramik Special” trains till 19th May, 2020  across the country
Passengers are being given free meals and water
Subsequent to the Ministry of Home Affairs order regarding movement of migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places by special trains, Indian Railways had decided to operate “Shramik Special” trains.
As on 19th May 2020 , a total of 1595 “Shramik Special” trains have been operationalized from various states across the country. More than 21 Lacs passengers have reached their home State.
These 1595 trains were originated from various states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh UT, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Puducherry UT, Punjab, Rajasthan, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal.
Also, these Shramik Special Trains were terminated in various States like UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, , Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir.
Proper screening of passengers is ensured before boarding the train. During the journey, passengers are given free meals and water.